Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of benzimidazole-based drugs which exhibit antiparasitic, antiviral, and anticancer activities. It serves as a building block in the development of proton pump inhibitors for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Also employed in the preparation of agrochemicals and fungicides due to its ability to interfere with biological processes in pathogens. Its structure allows for easy modification, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for drug design and optimization.